Here are the Venture Madness sweet 16 startups

The 16 startup finalists were announced today for the Venture Madness early-stage business challenge by Invest Southwest and the Arizona Commerce Authority.

These 16 companies will compete in an in-person, live pitch event at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale March 2 to 4.

“It has been an exciting year for Venture Madness,” Greg Head, Venture Madness board member, said in a statement. “The Southwest has birthed some really impressive companies over the years. The ones that have made it through the elimination rounds this year are some of the most innovative startups to date.”

The startups will have a chance at a $100,000 shared prize in the unique, bracket-style competition in its third year. The contest is pitting some of the best startups and early growth-stage companies in the Southwest.

The winning company will get $60,000, the second place company will win $20,000 and the third and fourth place company will each get $10,000.

A $5,000 People’s Choice Award will also be presented to the company who received the most online votes.

Here are the 16 finalists competing in the 2016 Venture Madness competition. (The companies are listed in alphabetical order, with their city headquarters and industry also listed.)